Leicester Tigers are confident Ben Youngs will extend his stay at the club amid reported interest from Bath.

Youngs' contract is up in the summer and is likely to be in-demand given he has extensive international experience. He has been linked with a move to Bath, where he would team up with fellow England half-back and former Tiger George Ford, but Cockerill is hopeful he will extend his stay at Welford Road.

"They might be interested in him but Ben Youngs loves playing for this club," Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury. "His dad has played here and his brother plays here. Mine and Aaron [Mauger]'s discussions with him have all been very positive.

"He wants to see how we are building and guys like Aaron and Matt Toomua coming in are central to that. More players will also come into the squad and make us better moving forward. We want the likes of Ben Youngs and Ed Slater to stay here. It's their club."